<p>I've heard lots of bad things about Calc 2 at Tech... How bad is it really? It's only 5 weeks of Calculus and then 10 of linear algebra, right?</p>
<p>There are a few issues with Calc II at Tech. First, it is very likely the first college math that most students take, so that comes as a bit of a shock. Even if you take Calc I your first semester, that is mostly a review from high school so Calc II is the first bit of new math. Secondly, it is a weed-out course. The professors will give you tough tests to try and break you. All of that on top of the fact that linear algebra is somewhat abstract and can be tough to digest at times, and now you can see why so many students have trouble with Calc II. </p>
<p>The secret to success in 1502 (or 1512) is just to put the time into it. Take a light load with that class, and especially with CS 1371 as well. Got to class and do all of the homework, even if it isn’t required. In my experience, professors who assign optional homework take their test questions from the homework as a way to reward the students who did it. For the linear algebra bits, watch the linear algebra class from MIT OCS, taught by Gilbert Strang. The calculus isn’t too bad, especially if you had BC in high school. 1502 is a right of passage for freshman at Tech so you won’t be alone. There are a lot of review sessions (PLUS, etc.) available through the semester and before the final. If you put in the effort, you’ll do fine. Good luck!</p>
<p>If you have the chance to take Doron S. Lubinsky, DO IT. One of the easiest A’s I’ve made at Tech. Otherwise, the previous poster summed it up quite well.</p>
<p>Also, I’d say it is 1/3 Calculus and 2/3 Linear algebra.</p>
<p>Lubinsky was my first choice… Morely is my back-up plan.</p>